DUBLIN (AP) — Major rugby union competitions are being urged to introduce a shot clock for shots on goal to help speed up play.
World Rugby’s new guidelines will be implemented from January 1 to try to improve the international game as a show ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France in September.
Most of the directives are already enshrined in the law book, but World Rugby has warned players and told match officials to enforce them.
The measures include forming pieces from set pieces without delay, time limits for goal kicks, less reliance on video reviews, less intervention by water carriers, stricter actions against negative player actions, and more leeway in hits.
They stood out during a November conference in London attended by key stakeholders to address low playing time and stoppage times in men’s international matches.
A shot clock is already used in the French Top 14 and could come into play in Six Nations stadiums and broadcasts. Conversions must be kicked within 90 seconds of the attempt. Penalty takers have 60 seconds from when they signal a shot on goal. A scrum must be ready to form within 30 seconds of the mark. Times are rarely met.
“World Rugby, member unions and competitions will work with broadcasters and match hosts to implement on-screen shot clocks (stadiums and broadcast) for penalties and conversions to ensure referees, players and fans can see the countdown. , reflecting what happens in (the French club). rugby) and sevens,” said World Rugby director of rugby Phil Davies.
Referees and TMOs have been urged to make quicker decisions on replays and limit them to clear and obvious offences.
The trial from July to reduce water bearers and their field tackles was deemed a success, but was further bolstered by limiting their tackles to when only tries are scored.
In the contested zone of deliberate touches, touching the ball by an opponent, intentional or not, has often been penalized with a yellow card. But World Rugby says that if a player has an opportunity to catch a ball and the touch does not appear intentional, then referees are asked to use good judgement. . . in the determination of a sanction.”
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